Big life changes can cause a person to “start over.” Here are three films in which the characters are put to the test by having to make their lives anew. Aside from the obvious stress of looking ahead, they also must deal with their individual hauntings from the past.

Boy A

Boy A (2007) is a truly refreshing find. Andrew Garfield plays the lead role of Jack, who is starting fresh in Manchester, England. He has been out of the circuit for awhile, and it shows. Garfield’s portrayal is eerily dead on. John Crowley’s direction also hits very high marks. Boy A will stay with you for awhile.

All About My Mother

All About My Mother (1999) is directed by Pedro Almodovar. A woman is compelled to relocate with the hope of finding her child’s father. She meets up with many unlikely and interesting characters along the way. The film references A Streetcar Named Desire and All About Eve, but there are a couple of sequences which carry the spirit of Fellini’s, Nights Of Cabiria. All About My Mother brilliantly deals with love, grief, hardship and friendship.

Blue

Blue (1993) is the first of Krzysztof Kieslowski’s “Three Colors” trilogy, otherwise known as Trois Couleurs: Bleu. The beautiful Juliette Binoche stars as Julie, a woman who must put her life back together in the face of despair. Throughout his career, the Polish director earnestly tackled ambiguities in philosophy, ethics, religion and sometimes even politics. Blue is no exception for serious contemplation. The film has high artistic value and is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience.  Comments are welcomed at cinespire@gmail.com.